Understanding OSHC and Who Must Have It
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance for international students in Australia. It is a visa condition for most student visa holders to maintain adequate health insurance for the entire stay. The Australian Government requires OSHC for Student visa (subclass 500) holders, except in limited circumstances. Students must not arrive in Australia before their OSHC starts.
There are currently six registered OSHC insurers: ahm, Allianz Care, Bupa, Medibank, nib, and CBHS. However, CBHS stopped selling to new members, so only five are available for new purchases.
The cover must be arranged for the whole period of the visa. Some students can be exempted, such as those from countries with a reciprocal health care agreement (Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) who are covered by Medicare. However, most students will need to buy OSHC.
School‑Arranged OSHC vs. Self‑Purchase
There are two ways to get OSHC: through the education provider or by purchasing directly from an insurer.
School‑Arranged OSHC
Many institutions offer OSHC as part of the enrolment package. The provider may choose a specific insurer and arrange cover for the length of the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The student pays the OSHC fee to the provider, who then pays the insurer. This is often the simplest option, as the provider handles the paperwork and ensures the cover meets visa requirements. However, the student may have less choice of insurer and may not be able to customise the policy.
Self‑Purchase
A student can buy OSHC directly from one of the registered insurers. This allows comparison of prices and benefits. The student must provide the insurance certificate to the education provider for their records. When self‑purchasing, the student must ensure the cover is adequate for the visa duration and includes the family members if they are also covered. The policy must be with an approved insurer.
Documents Needed for OSHC Application
When applying for OSHC, you typically need:
- Passport details (number, expiry date)
- CoE or letter of offer
- Start and end dates of the course
- Payment method (credit card or other)
- If adding family members: their passport details and relationship evidence
The insurer may ask for additional information. After purchase, you receive a policy certificate. This certificate is needed for the visa application and for enrolment at the institution.
How OSHC Start and End Dates Work
The policy start date should align with your arrival in Australia or the start of the course, whichever is earlier. OSHC must begin no later than the day you enter Australia. You cannot arrive before the OSHC starts. The end date should cover the entire visa period. If the policy ends earlier, the visa may be granted for a shorter period, or the student may need to extend the OSHC later.
Insurers typically allow you to set a future start date when purchasing. Once purchased, you can use the certificate immediately for visa processing. If your course is extended, you must extend the OSHC.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your OSHC
Several errors can slow down the process:
- Not having OSHC before visa lodgement — your visa application needs the OSHC details.
- Choosing a start date after your planned arrival — this breaches the visa condition.
- Insufficient length — the policy period must match the visa period.
- Not covering family members — if you bring your family on a subsequent student visa, you must include them.
- Buying from an unregistered provider — only the approved insurers are valid.
- Not updating the education provider with the OSHC policy details — this can delay enrolment.
FAQs
Can I buy OSHC after arriving in Australia? No, you must have OSHC before you arrive. You may extend it later, but initial cover must be in place.
How do I prove I have OSHC? The insurer issues a certificate of insurance. This must be provided with the visa application and to the education provider.
Can I switch insurers later? Yes, you can change your OSHC provider, but you must ensure continuous cover to avoid a gap in coverage.
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